Volcanic ash from Ethiopia disrupts flights across northwest India
Key Points
- 1Ethiopian volcanic ash cloud triggers widespread flight disruptions across northwest India.
- 2Indian DGCA issues critical advisories, prompting Akasa Air, IndiGo, and KLM to cancel multiple flights.
- 3IndiGo flight 6E 1433 diverted to Ahmedabad; other carriers conduct engine checks due to ash contamination risk.
- 4Delhi and Jaipur airspace remain under close surveillance as the ash plume's trajectory is monitored for ongoing safety.
A windborne ash cloud originating from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano has significantly disrupted commercial air traffic across northwest India, leading to widespread flight cancellations and diversions. The unexpected atmospheric phenomenon reduced visibility across major regions including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, and Punjab, prompting immediate safety advisories from aviation authorities.
The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) swiftly issued a comprehensive advisory to airlines and airports, cautioning them about potential operational challenges. The regulator mandated operators to maintain heightened vigilance, continuously monitor real-time updates, and implement necessary safety protocols as conditions evolved. Earlier directives from the DGCA instructed airlines to avoid specific altitudes and regions impacted by the ash plume, which first erupted on Sunday. Airports received instructions to inspect runways for ash contamination and to temporarily suspend operations if safety was compromised, signaling likely delays and diversions.
Major commercial carriers experienced immediate operational impacts. Akasa Air, IndiGo, and KLM proactively canceled several flights in response to the ash cloud's trajectory. IndiGo's Kannur-Abu Dhabi flight (6E 1433) diverted to Ahmedabad to circumvent the affected airspace, while another Indian carrier operating into Abu Dhabi performed extensive engine checks before its return journey. Both Air India and Akasa Air released public statements via social media, confirming close monitoring of the situation and reaffirming their commitment to passenger and crew safety.
The ash plume continues its eastward drift beyond Oman and Yemen, though its intensity is projected to gradually diminish over land and sea. Despite this, airspace over Delhi and Jaipur remains a critical concern, with Indian aviation authorities maintaining close surveillance over the ash cloud's movement to ensure ongoing flight safety and operational integrity.
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